Tailgating: Hail Marys

Jackie Mantey, Columbus Alive

Wednesday

Aug 31, 2011 at 12:01 AMSep 7, 2011 at 1:19 PM

Tailgating implies a long day of drinking, so kick off your morning with a healthful buzz. (Bloody Marys' main liquids are tomato juice and vodka. That sounds healthful to us.) You could get complicated and make your own - some recipes for this elaborate cocktail require the entire spice rack - or pull up a chair and try these locals' unique renditions.

Tailgating implies a long day of drinking, so kick off your morning with a healthful buzz. (Bloody Marys' main liquids are tomato juice and vodka. That sounds healthful to us.) You could get complicated and make your own - some recipes for this elaborate cocktail require the entire spice rack - or pull up a chair and try these locals' unique renditions.

Where: Knead, 505 N. High St., Downtown

How much: $13

Key ingredients: Old Bay seasoning on the rim and a house-made Bloody Mary mix spiced with smoked jalapeno hot sauce and a touch of pickle juice

Garnish: Called the Chunky Mary, this drink gets its affectionate nickname from the antipasti skewer of Molinari pepperoni chunks and house-pickled seasonal vegetables from Ohio farms.

Why you should try it: Each person behind the Tip Top bar puts their own spin on Bloody Mary orders, said bartender Sara McCarty, but drinkers can usually expect a sneeze-worthy helping of fresh ground pepper that makes the tomato juice taste even heartier.

Where: Lindey's, 169 E. Beck St., German Village

How much: $6.75

Key ingredients: Absolut Peppar vodka, a house-made Bloody Mary mix, and a rim seasoned with Old Bay and a Lindey's spice blend

Garnish: An olive and a celery stalk

Why you should try it: Absolut launched their Peppar vodka in the late 1980s specifically for Bloody Marys, and Lindey's makes their version of the cocktail fresh for each Saturday and Sunday brunch service. For a "spicier Bloody Mary," suggested manager Lincoln Workman, "request Sriracha sauce instead of Tabasco. It will give it a lot more spice without that vinegary taste."